The easiest way to reach the hotel in Girona is by taxi and these can be found on arrival outside the train station.

Spain

Catalonia Hiking 8 DaysThe pine-scented coastal region of Catalonia has long attracted artists (Salvador Dali, among others), writers, and those in search of beauty, tranquility, and inspiration. With its multitude of wonderful hiking trails, villages, sunny weather, seaside splendor, art, culture, and gastronomy & wine, this corner of Spain offers everything we look for when traveling. From Girona, to Callela de Palafrugell to Cadaqués, we have created an itinerary that shows you the very best of this region, and hiking is a splendid way to take it all in.

Day 1Arrive to Girona, a vibrant city in Catalonia. This is the city Spaniards voted as the most livable city in the country. It’s no surprise as it is full of charming cafes and restaurants and is an easy and pleasant city to discover on foot. Our Area Manager will meet you on arrival and give you an orientation to the trip.

Day 2The recommended hike today starts from the historical center and follows a trail east climbing to a sanctuary for astounding views and looping back to Girona in time for lunch and to explore this vibrant city more.

Distance: 13 km, elevation gain 420 m or 23 km, gain 700 m.*

Day 3
Transfer to Palamos to begin a coastal walk along the Costa Brava to Callela de Palafrugell. This stunning coastline boasts a pleasant walking trail where you will pass beaches and promontories with stunning views. Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 200 m.*

Day 4

Walk from your hotel to Llafranc, with its idyllic setting and then Begur and its prominent hill-top castle. NY Times article describes Begur as a ‘small maze of lanes dotted with excellent fish restaurants, ancient towers and cozy bars, all scattered beneath a dominating fortress…..There are eight official beaches (and many more unmarked coves), almost all of which are linked by a mix of paved and unpaved walking routes, leading to shorelines of rock, pebbles, smooth brown sand, and even volcanic black, almost Hawaii-like, sand.” Add-on a walk to the stunning beach of Aiguablava and the Cap de Begur possible.Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 300 m.*

Day 5
Walk a trail from Begur to the medieval town of Pals, described as the “showpiece of all villages, still dominated by the great Tower of Hours, all that’s left of the castle that once guarded the estuary of the Daro…. Pals has obvious charms - winding gardens and pathways, little squares springing suddenly from the narrow alleys….”. Afterwards continue along a well-signposted trail to Mas Pou, one of our favourite restaurants in the region for a delicious lunch of local specialties before continuing on to Toroella de Montgri and the wonderful Hotel Lo Mirador, housed in a 14th century palace.

Start the day with a transfer to Roses, another seaside town and walk along a popular trail to Cadaqués, best known for its stunning setting and for the number of prominent artists who have lived here. Salvador Dali spent part of his childhood in this village and in nearby Port Lligat. Pablo Picasso spent time in Cadaqués, as did Max Ernst, Matisse and Man Ray. This village is filled with good restaurants and we will share our favourites with you. Distance: 11 km, elevation gain 400 m or 15 km, gain 460 m.*

Day 7

From Cadaqués, walking options are plentiful. Our favourite is to Port Ligat where you can visit the former home (now museum) of Salvador Dali. From Port Ligat continue hiking to Cap de Creus with breathtaking views of the Med. From the Cap, you’ll be able to see across to France- this is where the Pyrenees mountains meet the sea. Another more challenging hike alternative is to the village of Cala Joncols which takes 2-2 ½ hours. Distance: 12 km, elevation gain 480 m or 22 km, gain 355 m.*

Day 8
Depart at your leisure for onward travel.
Buses depart at 7:45 and arrive to Barcelona at 10:30.

Note on transfers: On this trip transfers (included as part of the trip) are as follows:
Day 3: Girona to Palamos (45 km; 45 min)
Day 5: Begur to Torroella de Montgri (18 km; 20 min)
Day 6: Empuries to Roses (25 km; 25 min)

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.